of Little Rock, AR
October 7, 2020
Caroline Evans (Mesa), beloved mother, grandmother, and friend, passed to eternal life with her Heavenly Father on October 7, 2020.
Preceded in death by her parents, Joseph and Mary Ballow, and brother, Joseph Ballow, Jr. She is survived by her son, Matthew Evans and grandson, Mattox Evans.
Born Caroline Elizabeth Ballow in Linden, Alabama and raised in Memphis Tennessee, Caroline graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1970 with a degree in education. She taught in both Brinkley and Carlisle before moving to Little Rock in 1976 and teaching for 36 years at Lawson Elementary. She was strong willed and compassionate, always wanting to bring the best out of her students, caring for them and their futures as though they were her own children.
After retiring in 2012, her time was spent relaxing, sharing meals with her close friends, and enjoying life with friends and family. She was an avid, lifelong sports fan, enjoying college football and basketball the most. Weekends were spent rooting for the Vols, Hogs, and Memphis Tigers.
A member of Crystal Hill Baptist Church, Caroline was a devoted, caring, loving mother and grandmother to her ''sweet baby boys'', Matthew and Mattox. Her love for her family was undeniable and evident. She found delight in watching the Lord work in their lives, and the joy and pride she had in them was seen by all. No matter how much she said ''I love you'', they always knew it was more.
Caroline will be laid to rest next to her bother and near her parents in Memphis, Tennessee.
Viewing will be from 4:00-8:00 p.m., Monday, October 12, 2020 at Roller-Chenal Funeral Home. The family will receive friends from 6:00-8:00 p.m. Graveside service will be 11:00 a.m., Wednesday, October 14 at Forest Hills Memorial Park-East in Memphis, Tennessee. We are complying with the Arkansas Department of Health guidelines and limiting indoor funeral and visitation attendance to 50 people at one time. All attendees must provide and wear their own masks before entering. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Renewal Ranch, 75 Lake Dr, Houston, AR 72070.
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36 Condolence(s)
Kellie Watson
Thursday, October 15, 2020
Ms. Evans was one of my very favorite teachers. We even had sleepovers at her house when Matthew was a toddler. I loved those times. She also fostered my love of reading and was bone of the best storytellers. I’m so very sorry for your loss.
Malinda Martin-Johnson
Wednesday, October 14, 2020
Please know that your neighbors at 12 Timber Valley Cove will be praying for your family. Stay strong in your faith.
Jennifer Speer lynch
Tuesday, October 13, 2020
Ms Evan was my 6th English teacher at Lawson. She not only taught me but all 2 of my kids. She was a great teacher and a lovely person. Prayer for her family and friends.
Justin Henley
Tuesday, October 13, 2020
My condolences to the family, she was my fourth grade teacher and always pushed me to do better and I can’t thank her enough. She was such an amazing person.
Glenda Nix
Monday, October 12, 2020
Carolyn was a patient of Dr Rodgers when I worked him my grandson is 28 years old she was his teacher at Lawson she remembered him as If he was still in her class he remembered her as a loving and caring teacher I'm so sorry for the family loss but you know she's looking down on all of us love you carolyn
Willie Gray & Chanetta Johnson Gray
Monday, October 12, 2020
My condolences and deeply sympathy to the family of Caroline Evans Mesa. I will keep you in my prayes.
Cindy Barton
Sunday, October 11, 2020
I have so many childhood memories with Caroline. She was always so much fun, but especially when she would babysit me and my brothers! We would watch scary movies and she would scream the loudest all the way through the movies! Having followed in her footsteps and becoming a teacher myself, she was a mentor to me. When I would visit her classroom, it was so easy to see the love her students had for her. Kids know when they are loved and cared about. She was the absolute best. I love her so much. I know how much you will miss her, Matthew and Mattox, we all will. You are both in my thoughts and prayers, and I hope you will find comfort in knowing that she is reunited with Miss Mary, Big Joe and Joseph. Much love, Cindy Barton
Ruby J Scott
Sunday, October 11, 2020
Matt, my condolences to you and your family for the loss of your mother. I will keep you in my prayers.
Sincerely,
Ruby Scott
Pecan Lake Neighbor
Sharon Thompson
Saturday, October 10, 2020
I worked with Caroline for 28 years at Lawson. Not only was she my coworker, she was also my friend. I enjoyed the luncheons we had after she retired. I loved seeing how she would beem with enthusiasm when she talked about Matthew and Mattox. She was so proud of the both of you. As a teacher, she left a definite legacy at Lawson with the countless students she taught. RIL Caroline! You will definitely be missed!
Jill Tamo
Saturday, October 10, 2020
My condolences go with the family of Mrs. Mesa. I had the privilege of working with Caroline at Lawson Elementary several years. She loved teaching and loved Lawson Elementary and it’s community. My thoughts and prayers go out to family and friends.
Cynthia Wyles
Saturday, October 10, 2020
She was a great teacher. She always had a smile for everyone. She will be greatly missed. Peace and love for her family. I am very sorry for your loss.
Erika Ospina Jones
Saturday, October 10, 2020
Thoughts and Prayers being sent from the Ospina family. She definitely left and impact of all four of our lives. She will forever be remembered in our hearts!
Kaylan Wright
Saturday, October 10, 2020
You were a great teacher. You made sure every student that came in contact with you blossom into a well enducated human being. You were a light that shined so bright may you rest in peace.
Kaylan Wright
Saturday, October 10, 2020
You were a great teacher. You made sure every student that came in contact with you blossom into a well enducated human being. You were a light that shined so bright may you rest in peace.
John and Michele Freyaldenhoven
Saturday, October 10, 2020
Matt I'm so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. She sounded like a wonderful lady and an amazing mother and grandmother! Praying for you and your family.
Becky Kilburn
Saturday, October 10, 2020
Sending condolences to her family.
Mary Jayne Green
Saturday, October 10, 2020
Matthew and Mattox, I am so sorry for your loss. Your mother was so proud of both of you. She will always be with you in your memories and in your heart. Prayers for comfort and peace for you and your family.
Audra Shaw Pearson
Saturday, October 10, 2020
She was my 3rd and 4th grade teacher at Lawson. I got to see her again a few years ago and introduced my kids to her. Sending prayers to her family.
Ginger Otts Carter
Friday, October 9, 2020
Ms Mesa was my 5th grade teacher. She was very passionate about education and the children that she was around. I’m truly sorry for your loss.
Leah Moulton
Friday, October 9, 2020
Mrs Mesa was such an amazing lady. She was my 4th grade teacher at Lawson. I will never forget her taking me to the fair after school all by myself. She knew that that was the only way I would get to go and she treated me like I was her child. The next year I cried for a week because I knew I would never love another teacher like I loved her. Prayers for her family and friends.
Leah Moulton
Susie Stewart
Friday, October 9, 2020
I worked with Caroline at Lawson many years ago and she was both my daughters teacher. She was a great teacher and my daughters loved her. I know she loved teaching and loved her students and always wanted to bring out the best in them. God bless her family and friends who loved her. She will be missed.
Kevin and Theresa Garland
Friday, October 9, 2020
So blessed to have been a student of Mrs. Mesa and to have had both of my children been touched by her as well.
Melinda Hales
Friday, October 9, 2020
Prayers for Matthew, Mattox and all the friends and family. She was one of the best teachers I had. She was so caring and had the best laugh.
Joy Leopard
Friday, October 9, 2020
Will miss your visits. Will always remember our times at Lawson and you being our daughter’s favorite teacher.
Rachael Boyd Tomaskovic
Friday, October 9, 2020
She was such a caring teacher! She pushed when she knew I was capable. Praying for her family.
Wendy Honold
Friday, October 9, 2020
I remember your laughter and smiling face at Lawson Elementary! Rest in peace!💜ðŸ™
Aimee Thompson Berry
Friday, October 9, 2020
Praying for peace and comfort for family.
Marsha Hamm
Friday, October 9, 2020
Matthew and Mattox, I am so sorry for your loss. She loved you both so much and I know you will miss her greatly. Caroline and I worked together for 28 years.
Blake Pizan
Friday, October 9, 2020
Ms. Mesa was my 5th grade teacher at Lawson Elementary, where she pushed me to be a better student and a better person. She was a great educator!
Suzanne Smith
Friday, October 9, 2020
I taught with Caroline at Lawson Elementary. She and I were in the same lunch group too. She was always talking about you and her grandson. She loved her family dearly. Praying for peace and comfort for you both during these difficult days.
Karen Wheeler
Friday, October 9, 2020
Matthew and Mattox, I know you both will miss her greatly. You have some good memories to hold near and dear.... especially your Alaskan cruise. Prayers for both of you during this time.
Beverly Baggett
Friday, October 9, 2020
Matthew,
You , your son , and family members are in my thoughts and prayers !
Caroline was a close coworker for many years and a great friend !
Our favorite subject was our children and then later in life our grandchildren!
I pray for God’s peace and comfort for you . I rejoice knowing that Caroline is now healed happy and whole ! Sending Love, Hugs , and Prayers your way.
Beverly Baggett
Debbie Shearer
Friday, October 9, 2020
A great teacher at Lawson.
Kenyetta Swanigan
Friday, October 9, 2020
Your laughter will definitely be missed â¤ï¸
Judy Furnish
Friday, October 9, 2020
Caroline was a dedicated teacher. She loved Lawson and all the kids who passed through those halls. Before I taught at Lawson, when ever I got a new student, if they came from Lawson, they were well taught! Her legacy remains in many students. She will be missed.
Susan Orlicek
Friday, October 9, 2020
Peace and Love â¤ï¸